Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, Mountainfilm

Must-see “Limited Screening” Baato Begins the 2020 Mountainfilm Festival

May 15, 2020 HollywoodGlee Leave a comment

Posted by Larry Gleeson

Nothing quite like leaping into uncharted waters. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Mountainfilm Festival re-imagined this year’s edition into a virtual experience. And boy, am I glad they did. With over 100 on-demand films and presentations over that I can watch on my time and from the comforts of my home theatre, I sprang out of bed, logged into my newly created account to access my festival (thank you, Nora Bernard), I spied Baato, a limited screening feature.

Without further adieu, I settled myself into a magnificent journey to a mountain peak in Nepal. And, it wasn’t by helicopter. Filmmakers Lucas Millard and Kate Stryker managed to capture an intimate portrait of a family in remote eastern Nepal collecting medicinal herbs, before making an annual 300-kilometer trek, partly on foot and partly by ramshackle bus, to lowland, urban markets – the nearest economic marketplace for their harvested medicinal herbs.

And, like any major endeavor, this one begins with the first step of many as the group sets out by foot with the women carrying the traditional, cultural load while the men complain about how difficult this walking portion of the journey is as they down a simple, collegiate-style backpack. Along the way, however, a three-part narrative emerges as Nepal is undergoing national development and the filmmakers capture a major road project being undertaken to link this area of Nepal to the southern border of China promising less walking and perhaps a less arduous life in some distant future. The massive project has employed many manual laborers, allowed for heavy construction equipment imports, and has a detrimental effect on local farming patches.

Deftly, Baato illuminates developmental pratfalls as road engineers take bribes to avoid destroying homes. Meanwhile, the herb collectors plot to avoid shakedowns by police and bus operators as they miraculously make their way to market. This is an observant film as the viewer witnesses a deep dive into a Himalayan culture engaged in a slow and chaotic, yet inexorable transition to modern life. Excellent cinematography, compelling narrative coupled with a mesmerizing soundtrack makes this documentary a “must-see!”

Stay tuned for more as 2020 Mountainfilm Festival is just beginning.

Documentary, Mountainfilm, Telluride

Starting now. Mountainfilm. Put your seatbelt on!

May 14, 2020 HollywoodGlee Leave a comment

Posted by Larry Gleeson

2020 Mountainfilm Intro by Stephen Burns. I’m putting my seatbelt on!

As you’d expect from a film festival with a penchant to inspire audiences to create a better world, Mountainfilm, a documentary film festival that showcases nonfiction stories about environmental, cultural, climbing, political, and social justice issues that matter, has gone virtual in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 Mountainfilm edition is featuring over 100 on-demand films and presentations over that viewers can watch at their leisure from the comfort of home in an extended, 10-day festival. To experience Mountainfilm at home, all you really need is a pass and an adventurous heart.

This year’s Guest Director is Academy Award-winning filmmaker Louie Psihoyos, (The Cove (Mountainfilm 2009). His most recent film The Game Changers (Mountainfilm 2018) examines the health benefits of plant-based diets, particularly on elite athletes.

Listen as Psihoyos shares what makes Mountainfilm his “go-to” festival year after year.

Until next time, I look forward to seeing you at the movies!

HollywoodGlee in downtown Telluride, Colo., during the 2019 Telluride Film Festival. (Photo credit: Maya Altarac, Telluride Film Festival Production Staff)

Film Festival

Big Bear Film Summit Announces Film Lineup for Debut in June/July

May 12, 2020 HollywoodGlee Leave a comment

Posted by Larry Gleeson

The 1st Annual Big Bear Film Summit Announces Film Lineup for Virtual Film Festival (June 12-July 12)

Los Angeles, CA (May 12, 2020) —The 1^st Annual Big Bear Film Summit, announced the film lineup for the festival’s debut which will take place virtually on June 12-July 12, 2020. The inaugural edition will present 52 films (12 feature-length and 40 short films and music videos). Created to encourage artistic production in and around Big Bear Lake, California, the Big Bear Film Summit made a quick pivot to the virtual space like many film festivals have done since March.

“While we looked very forward to welcoming filmmakers, film artists, and industry veterans to the beautiful locale of Big Bear Lake to enjoy and discover great films, have discussions about their work and about the art of filmmaking in this amazing setting, we all currently face the reality of the limitations created by the pandemic,” said BBFS Executive Director Michael P. Hanson.

BBFS CEO Gabriel Horn, added, “The priority with a film festival always begins and ends with the films and filmmakers, so while we will wait until next year to celebrate the art of independent cinema against the backdrop of this historically Hollywood-friendly area, celebrate those films we will. The debut of the Big Bear Film Summit will be a testament to the ability of the filmmaker to persevere.”

Made possible in great extent thanks to Visit Big Bear, Big Bear Film Summit will feature film competition categories including: U.S. Narrative and Documentary Features and Shorts, International Narrative and Documentary Features and Shorts, Experimental and Animated Shorts, Student Shorts, Music Videos, and a Screenplay Competition.

Highlights include the virtual world premiere of Noah Warner’s THE TRAP DOOR AT THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE about a private detective whose new case involving a priceless stolen heirloom is about to reveal a secret about himself he didn’t see coming, Mindy Bledsoe’s award-winning road trip drama THE IN-BETWEEN, about two women on the road together with different missions, and Lucas Astrom’s HARD PLASTIC starring Andy Dick and his real life daughter Meg Dick in a story about an aspiring disc golfer out to prove her self to her father after getting kicked out of the nest.

Documentaries include David Around’s THE ONE AND ONLY JEWISH MISS AMERICA, about Bess Myerson, the talented beauty queen from the Bronx, who faced anti-Semitism and closed doors at race-restricted venues which did not allow Jews, JT Bruce’s THE DEVIL’S ROAD: A BAJA ADVENTURE, about a group of adventurers set out across Baja California on a 5,000-mile journey to recreate the century-old expedition of two prolific and obscure naturalists, and Andrew Shebay’s WOKE THE MONSTER, about Army veteran Shawn Livingston’s struggle back from a heroin addiction, and facing a 20-year prison sentence, takes the challenge of a 100-mile trail race through the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains to redeem himself.

To purchase passes, tickets, and find additional information, please go to: https://www.bigbearfilmsummit.com.

Big Bear Film Summit 2020 Virtual Festival Lineup

FEATURE FILMS

U.S. Narrative Features Competition
BARNEY BURMAN’S WILD BOAR
Director: Barney Burman
Country: United States, Running Time: 98 min
A world where man is suddenly no longer at the top of the food chain. A small group of Geocachers — modern day weekend treasure hunters — go searching in the desert for a bounty left by an eccentric billionaire. Instead they end up being hunted by a mutant boar with an axe to grind. It’s a race for survival and those who don’t make it are sure to be served up for dinner.

HARD PLASTIC
Director: Lucas Astrom
Country: United States, Running Time: 67 min
An aspiring disc golfer (Meg Dick) gets kicked out of the nest by her loving father (Andy Dick) who is in the middle of dealing with his own mid-life crisis. Aided by her trusted friend; scratcher addict and caddy (Natisha Anderson), she finds a sponsor, throws an ace at the disc golf championship and proves to her father that disc golf is a real sport.

THE IN-BETWEEN
Director: Mindy Bledsoe
Country: United States, Running Time: 77 min
Two women set out on a road trip with different missions. Mads (Jennifer Stone “Wizards of Waverly Place”) needs to renew her driver’s license in South Dakota, while Junior needs to visit Portland, OR on a quest for her dead sister. Both women have medical issues that cause friction along the way, but they never let those problems define their identities. Mads is also keeping a secret from Junior, that could explode at any moment and ruin their journey.

TAKING TIGER MOUNTAIN REVISITED
Directors: Tom Huckabee, Kent Smith
Country: United Kingdom, Running Time: 76 min
In a dystopian future, American draft dodger Billy Hampton, 19 (played by a very young Bill Paxton), is brainwashed and programmed by militant feminists to assassinate the Welsh minister of prostitution. Lurching unwittingly toward his goal, he makes a series of furtive connections with societal outliers like himself, including a feral child, a gentle prostitute, a sadomasochistic delinquent, a lovelorn androgyne, a hippie dope dealer, and a mute nymphomaniac, while fending off predators who would sell him into sex slavery. Eventually, he is forced to focus on his mission and face the dreadful dilemma tormenting his psyche: to kill or not to kill.

THE TRAP DOOR AT THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE – World Premiere
Director: Noah Warner
Country: USA, Running Time: 90 min
A Private Detective takes a case recovering a priceless stolen heirloom for a mysterious blonde Femme Fatale (Laura Wiggins). He is determined to catch the crafty Gagliano syndicate, who he is convinced has perpetrated the crime, right up until he accidentally discovers that he is a fictional character.

U.S. Documentary Feature Competition
THE DEVIL’S ROAD: A BAJA ADVENTURE
Director: JT Bruce
Country: United States, Running Time: 98 min
A group of adventurers set out across Baja California on a 5,000-mile journey to recreate the century-old expedition of two prolific and obscure naturalists. Their search takes them on a thrilling quest -by motorcycle, airplane, boat, and horseback- to recreate the historic, unprecedented expedition across Baja. Along the way, they bear witness to the vibrant culture and unforgettable people, endure the challenges of the road, and get a glimpse into this extraordinary place and its uncertain future.

KING OF BEASTS
Directors: Tomer Almagor, Nadav Harel
Country: United States, Running Time: 85 min
Aaron, an American hunter, enters the dark heart of the African bush, on a surreal neocolonial expedition, emulating 1000s of years of indigenous rite of passage rituals, as he hunts the ultimate trophy – the king of beasts. King of Beasts is an observational portrait that digs beyond sensationalism and politics, observing the facts and the many shades of the truth on the ground in Africa, in regards to wildlife and lion conservation efforts, amidst the ever-declining animal populations. With intimate access and never before seen footage, the film question man’s very nature, as well as our place in the animal kingdom.

THE OFFLINE PLAYLIST
Director: Brian C. Miller Richard
Country: United States, Running Time: 48 min
A first-of-its-kind concert that paired New Orleans artists on a Spotify playlist with the fans who were listening to it, live at the hallowed Preservation Hall. Staring Jon Batiste, Irma Thomas, Curren$y, Mannie Fresh, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and more New Orleans legends.

THE ONE AND ONLY JEWISH MISS AMERICA
Director: David Arond
Country: United States, Running Time: 51 min
How Bess Myerson, the talented beauty queen from the Bronx, won the world’s most famous beauty pageant 75 years ago, at the tail end of World War II. The film follows Bess, the middle daughter of poor Russian immigrants, from her childhood in a one-bedroom Jewish housing project apartment through the suspense-filled pageant. On her 1945 Miss America tour, Bess faced anti-Semitism and closed doors at race-restricted venues which did not allow Jews. It is also a story of courage as her disappointment turned to determination, leading Bess Myerson to start her own tour to teach tolerance at high schools and colleges around the country — a tour which launched her lifelong passion for justice.

WOKE THE MONSTER
Director: Andrew Shebay
Country: United States, Running Time: 57 min
18 months ago, Army veteran Shawn Livingston was strung out on heroin, battling PTSD and addiction, and facing a 20-year prison sentence. Now, he is preparing for the race of his life: a 100-mile trail race through the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains. The prize: his family, his recovery, his redemption, his life.

International Narrative Feature Spotlight
GETMELOVEDUP.COM
Director: George Carson
Country: United Kingdom, Running Time: 101 min
Comedy drama set in Scotland. Two young adults embark on a rollercoaster ride involving internet dating. The two lead characters Sharon & Kevin are under pressure from friends and family to find a partner, so they are encouraged to sign up to GetMeLovedUp.com internet dating site. This leads to several different hilarious “dates” which they both find challenging. Egged on by their friends they continue their quest until their separate paths through this adventure finally come together. This leads them to a set of highly unexpected circumstances.

International Documentary Feature Spotlight
FATHER UNKNOWN
Director: David Quint
Country: Switzerland/United States, Running Time: 70 min
Captured on a camera phone as it happened, FATHER UNKNOWN is the true story of a man’s struggle to face the emptiness he carries inside. Disconnected from the people closest to him and haunted by the secrecy in his family, he records his desperate search for connection on a journey with the father he’s never truly known.

SHORT FILMS

U.S. Narrative Short Competition
A DRIVERS TALE
Director: Demarcus Brown
Country: United States, Running Time: 12:34 min

A PLACE LESS COLD
Director: Anne Johnstonbrown
Country: United States, Running Time: 14:53 min

ALL THAT YOU LOVE WILL BE CARRIED AWAY
Director: Thad Lee
Country: United States, Running Time: 29:29 min

BURY MY HEART
Director: Kav Lis
Country: United States, Running Time: 7:09 min

CHERRY
Director: Stacey Davis
Country: United States, Running Time: 12 min

CRUSH
Director: Jennifer Floyd
Country: United States, Running Time: 6 min

DIGNITY
Director: Pat Battistini
Country: United States, Running Time: 25 min

FORTUNE IN GOLD
Director: Anne Johnstonbrown
Country: United States, Running Time: 9:57 min

MY NEW PANTS
Director: Gerard Zarra
Country: United States, Running Time: 22:30 min

ODD BIRD
Director: Katy Dore
Country: United States, Running Time: 8:45 min

ONE LAST DROP
Director: Anthony Alyassi
Country: United States, Running Time: 11:40 min

QUARANTINE NYC
Director: Alexander Samuilov
Country: United States, Running Time: 4:08 min

STUCCO
Directors: Janina Gavankar, Russo Schelling
Country: United States, Running Time: 17:29 min

TALK OUTSIDE
Director: Austin Davison
Country: United States, Running Time: 7 min
TMARAMRLT
Director: Egor Barkanov
Country: United States, Running Time: 7 min

UNICORNS
Director: Candice Carella
Country: United States, Running Time: 13 min

WAFFLE
Director: Carlyn Hudson
Country: United States, Running Time: 10:57 min

ZOE & BRYN
Director: Maura Smith
Country: United States, Running Time: 25 min

U.S. Documentary Short Competition
AFFURMATIVE ACTION
Director: Travis Wood
Running Time: 3:56 min

DIEORAMA
Director: Kevin Staake
Country: United States, Running Time: 10:17 min

IN THE SAME DIRECTION: JEFF PIFHER & SOCRATES’ TRIAL
Director: Alexander Craven
Country: United States, Running Time: 17 min

THE KALEIDOSCOPE GUY AT THE MARKET
Director: Russell Brown
Country: United States, Running Time: 21 min

ONE LAST JOB
Director: Tony Armer
Country: United States, Running Time: 15 min

PIE IN THE PUSS: A BRIEF HISTORY OF PIEING IN FILM
Director: Stacey Davis
Country: United States, Running Time: 9:27 min

WHAT IF…
Director: Noah Berlow
Country: United States, Running Time: 7:37 min

International Narrative Short Competition
ANNA
Director: Dekel Berenson
Country: Ukraine, Running Time: 15 min

THE DOE
Director: Jennifer Lumbroso
Country: France, Running Time: 18 min

DO NO HARM
Director: Gabriel Horn
Country: Israel, Running Time: 5:40 min

ELEPHANTBIRD
Director: Masoud Soheili
Country: Afghanistan, Running Time: 15 min

HORSE
Director: Mohamad Razazian
Country: Iran, Running Time: 13:28 min

MORDECHAI
Director: Andreas Flack
Country: Israel, Running Time: 6:46 min

THE MORNING WALK
Director: Marc Harpsøe
Country: Denmark, Running Time: 22:18 min

SLAUGHTER
Directors: Saman Hosseinpuor, Ako Zandkarimi
Country: Iran, Running Time: 13:03 min

International Documentary Short Spotlight
CALL CENTER BLUES
Director: Geeta Gandbhir
Country: Mexico, Running Time: 25 min

Music Video Competition
DREAM
Director: Maxi Witrak, Jose Muro
Country: United States, Running Time: 3:21 min

LET THERE BE DRUMS
Director: George Wada
Country: United States, Running Time: 1:30 min

THE SUN WILL FOOL YOU
Directors: Daniel Bigelow, Talon Nightshade
Country: United States, Running Time: 4:42 min

Experimental and Animation Competition
PANCAKES
Director: Chad Briggs
Country: United States, Running Time: 3:12 min

Student Competition
THE HUNT
Director: Daarya Serji
Country: United States, Running Time: 10 min

THE MARGINS
Director: Leia Christ
Country: United States, Running Time: 9 min

SCREENPLAY CONTEST

FINDING FREEDOM
Writer: Bristol Mac Donald
Emma Wilson is a timid young woman who escapes a violently abusive relationship and returns to her family’s remote horse ranch where she hopes to find refuge, but tensions run high when she is reunited with her brother, a volatile bully and the reason she left home years ago. Prepared to flee once again, an unexpected kinship with a traumatized mustang helps Emma to confront her past and overcome her deepest fears.

FOREVER YOUNG
Writer: Jason Lor
A young man from ancient times is granted immortality until he finds his true love, no matter how long it takes.

FOUND
Writer: Chad Briggs
A troubled American soldier searches for a missing bomber crew while navigating the hostile cultural tensions of post-World War Two Japan.

LAST THURSDAY
Writer: Kevin Machate
When Dennis got up this morning, he wasn’t expecting that his bank would be robbed by a bunch of witless goons, or that they would take him hostage, but hey, it’s Thursday so it’s almost the weekend, right?

MY MISSING YEAR
Writer: Stephen Foster
A coming of age dramedy set in the backwater town of Bedford, Texas in 1979. Stephen a socially awkward, asthmatic, 11-year-old boy, lives with his mother, Patricia, and sister. Patricia’s attempts to make a better life for her kids uproots them and Stephen is separated from both and begins his odyssey of missing a year from his life.

SAINT TITUS
Writer: Dan Bowman
John Titus, a young conman, upon being forced to flee the states by a local mafia family, begins work for a children’s charitable organization in India. Through his skills in extortion, he’s able to make it the largest charity in Eastern Asia. But with prestige comes unwanted attention from governments, rivals, and the mob.

THE CANARY PROTOCOL
Writer: Michael McDonald
A young lady’s curse of being able to see when someone is about to die is ruthlessly manipulated by a rogue CIA agent. A strange turn of events leaves the young lady in a desperate battle to save her own life.

THREE LADIES
Writer: Almudena Rojo Yela
A musical drama

About Big Bear Film Summit
The Big Bear Film Summit was founded in 2020 by local Big Bear Lake, California, residents Gabriel Horn and Michael P. Hanson. The Summit and festival work to encourage artistic production in and around Big Bear Lake while celebrating cinema and music through screenings, concerts, workshops, and educational programs, culminating in an annual three-day festival. The Big Bear Film Summit is in the process to become an independent non-profit organization with 501c3 status committed to celebrating the art of independent cinema and music.

The Big Bear Film Summit funding supported by Visit Big Bear. Learn more about Big Bear Lake and it’s history in film-making BigBear.com/about/filming.

(Source: WildWorks PR Press Release)

#AFI, AFI Movie Club, television

JESSICA BIEL ANNOUNCES EASY RIDER #AFIMovieClub

May 12, 2020 HollywoodGlee Leave a comment

Posted by Larry Gleeson

Jessica Biel announces today’s AFI Movie Club selection: EASY RIDER. The film was selected for both AFI’s original and 10th Anniversary lists of the greatest American films of all time, and “Born to Be Wild” was recognized by AFI as one of the greatest songs ever featured in a film. EASY RIDER’s journey to the big screen included AFI Life Achievement Award recipient Jack Nicholson.

Interesting Facts

Actor/director Dennis Hopper said that the marijuana used in the film was real.

Although the screenplay was written by the stars of the film – Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, along with novelist Terry Southern – a great deal of the movie ended up improvised. In this exclusive AFI Archive video, Fonda and Hopper talk about making the film.

In scenes depicting rural and small-town America, real-life farmers and other local, non-professional actors were used.

Director Dennis Hopper had only a week to prepare to shoot scenes at Mardi Gras. This was a result of Peter Fonda getting the date wrong!Rip Torn was initially cast in the role of George Hanson. The part went to Jack Nicholson after director Dennis Hopper and Torn got in a heated dispute before filming.

The first cut of the film by Dennis Hopper, which took him 22 weeks to complete, had a runtime of almost three hours in length. The final film’s runtime was 96 minutes.

$1 million was spent to license the music for the film, which was about three times the budget for shooting the film.

Discussion Questions

Join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram now using #AFIMovieClub. Or post your responses in the comment section below.

– What does the term counterculture mean to you?

–What made EASY RIDER resonate with people when it first hit the big screen? Do those same ideals still resonate today?

–Why has there been a long running cultural divide between young and old?

–How has social media changed how the youth of today have challenged the “establishment”?

–Would the response to the film have been different if Wyatt and Billy safely drove off into the sunset at the end of the movie?

–How would you rate EASY RIDER?

About AFI Movie Club

I hope the AFI Movie Club brings some inspiration and entertainment during this uncertain time. AFI has created a global, virtual gathering of those who love the movies where each day’s film – announced by a special guest – is accompanied by fun facts, family-friendly discussion points and material from the AFI Archive to bring the viewing experience to life. As a non-profit, AFI Movie Club is a member-powered organization, dependent upon the support of its movie fans. To support AFI Movie Club please consider becoming a member or donating.

AFI Movie Club is a newly launched free program to raise the nation’s spirits by bringing artists and audiences together – even while we are apart. AFI shines a spotlight on an iconic movie each day, with special guests announcing the Movie of the Day. Audiences can “gather” at AFI.com/MovieClub to find out how to watch the featured movie of the day with the use of their preexisting streaming service credentials. The daily film selections will be supported by fun facts, family discussion points and exclusive material from the AFI Archive to enrich the viewing experience.

(Source: AFI News Release)

television

Mountainfilm Unveils 2020 Lineup of Films & Speakers

May 11, 2020 HollywoodGlee 1 Comment

Posted by Larry Gleeson

As for most organizations — and most people — the pandemic has put Mountainfilm, a documentary film festival that showcases nonfiction stories about environmental, cultural, climbing, political and social justice issues that matter, in uncharted waters. But as you’d expect from a film festival with a penchant to inspire audiences to create a better world, Mountainfilm rose to the challenge, pivoting to a virtual festival in a matter of weeks. The result is an extended, 10-day festival with over 100 on-demand films and presentations over that viewers can watch at their leisure from the comfort of home. To experience Mountainfilm at home, all you really need is a pass and an adventurous heart.

This year’s virtual format has allowed Mountainfilm to be more accessible than ever. People can tune in from all over the world, and most content can be watched anytime during the 10-day festival window. The 2020 lineup remains true to Mountainfilm’s high standards and propensity for mixing stoke-inducing adventure films with mind-blowing (and world-changing) documentaries.

Mountainfilm Festival Director Susan Beraza

“We’re psyched for the chance to bring great programming to people who’ve been curious about Mountainfilm for all these years, but have never been able to come,” said Mountainfilm Festival Director Suzan Beraza. “This year we’re proud to offer our usual wide variety of films — from Personhood, a film about fetal rights to Public Trust, a film by a former Telluride local that turns the lens on the loss of public lands.”

After many weeks at home, most people are in need of a little hope and inspiration. Beraza and her team made a point to give viewers as much content as possible — including a few additional lighthearted films.

The lineup of feature films includes more than 25 titles that range from By Hand, a documentary that follows the journey of two brothers paddling from Alaska to Mexico, to Big Fur, a film about a devotee of Bigfoot. Most features can be watched anytime during the 10-day festival, but a select few have limited runs — meaning they’ll only be available to watch at specific times. The festival has more short film programs than ever before with titles like Concepción, recounting climber Hazel Findlay’s attempt of a 70-meter splitter crack route outside Moab, and Huntsville Station, which depicts the realities of inmates just released from prison.

Complementing the roundup of films is a symposium and a handful of live and pre-recorded presentations featuring directors and thought visionaries. We’ll hear from Mountainfilm 2020 Guest Director Louie Psihoyos and Sea Shepherd captain Paul Watson on the vulnerability of our oceans, while youth activists Jamie Margolin and Jonah Gottlieb will speak to the role of young people in climate activism. In light of the upcoming presidential election, former White House Chief of Staff Jack Watson analyzes the qualities that make a good president — particularly during a pandemic.

“We’re really excited about this year’s symposium and presentations, plus we’re going to have a series of meet the author events, Q&As and filmmaker workshops that will showcase what Mountainfilm does best — bringing connection and conversation to our greater community,” said Beraza.

The 2020 virtual festival dates are May 15–25 and passes are available here.

(Source: Mountainfilm Festival press release)

#AFI, AFI Movie Club, American Film Institute, television

Mira Nair Announces An Epic Love Story #AFIMovieClub

May 6, 2020 HollywoodGlee 1 Comment

Posted by Larry Gleeson

DOCTOR ZHIVAGO is ranked #39 on AFI’s original list of the greatest movies of all time. Yuri Zhivago and Lara’s timeless romance lands at #7 on AFI’s greatest love stories of all time. Director David Lean was honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1990.

See Omar Sharif talk about acting and DOCTOR ZHIVAGO in this exclusive AFI Archive video.

INTERESTING FACTS

The “Doctor Zhivago” manuscript was smuggled out of Russia and printed by Italian publisher Giangiacomo Feltrinelli, despite threats from both the Russian and Italian Communist Parties.

David Lean’s DOCTOR ZHIVAGO was a reunion of sorts. Holdovers from his previous film, LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, include stars Omar Sharif and Alec Guinness, screenwriter Robert Bolt, composer Maurice Jarre, production designer John Box and costume designer Phyllis Dalton.

Boris Pasternak wrote “Doctor Zhivago” over many years, chronicling Russian life from Imperialism through the October Revolution, civil war, and Joseph Stalin’s Great Purge. The film is a semi-autobiographical account of his longstanding love affair with fellow poet, translator, and literary editor Olga Ivinskaya. She was imprisoned by Communists in an attempt to intimidate him.

Pasternak was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1958. He declined the honor so he could remain in his homeland.

Producer Carlo Ponti originally bought the rights to the film with the part of “Lara” in mind for his wife Sophia Loren. Jane Fonda was also considered, but ultimately declined, leading Julie Christie to be cast instead. In 2014, Fonda said that of all the movies she’s turned down, DOCTOR ZHIVAGO is the one she regrets the most.

Cinematographer Nicolas Roeg was replaced three months into filming over creative differences. Roeg would eventually become a celebrated director himself – helming, among other things, DON’T LOOK NOW starring none other than Julie Christie.

Composer Maurice Jarre won the Academy Award^® for Best Original Score for his work on DOCTOR ZHIVAGO – which includes the iconic and bittersweet “Lara’s Theme.”

For the iconic scene where winter dissolves into spring, over 4,000 daffodils were imported from Holland and placed on the outskirts of the mountain town of Soria, Spain.

DOCTOR ZHIVAGO doesn’t end at the credits. Engage with your family, friends, and others like you who love the movies. Check out the AFI Movie Club Discussion Questions for this movie and post your responses in the comment section!

AFI Movie Club Discussion Questions

-What do you know about the political climate during the time when Pasternak wrote “Doctor Zhivago” and when the film was released in 1965?

-Why do you think “Doctor Zhivago” provoked so much anger from Soviet Union government officials, causing them to ban Pasternak from publishing it?

-The novel is a sprawling epic. How do the novel and film differ? What do you think of David Lean and Richard Bolt’s adaptation?

-What do you think of the doctor-poet Yuri Zhivago? How does he reconcile both aspects of his character and how does he evolve throughout the film?

-What do you think of Yuri’s relationship with Lara (Julie Christie) compared with Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin)? What does Lara represent for him?

-How is nature used as a motif in DOCTOR ZHIVAGO? What did you think of cinematographer Freddie Young’s use of color throughout?

-How would you rank DOCTOR ZHIVAGO in terms of the greatest love stories ever told?

Join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram now using #AFIMovieClub. Or post your responses in the comment section below.

About AFI Movie Club

#AFI, #AFIDOCS, American Film Institute, Documentary, television

THE AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES DATES FOR 2020 AFI DOCS FILM FESTIVAL

May 6, 2020 HollywoodGlee 2 Comments

Posted by Larry Gleeson

AWARD-WINNING APPLE AND A24 FILM BOYS STATE TO OPEN ONLINE FESTIVAL ON JUNE 17

AT&T RETURNS AS PRESENTING SPONSOR

ON EMBARGO UNTIL 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT, MAY 6, 2020, WASHINGTON, DC — AFI DOCS, the American Film Institute’s annual documentary celebration in the nation’s capital, has announced the festival’s 18th annual edition is going virtual. With audiences eager to experience the best in documentary film, AFI DOCS will showcase current non-fiction fare in a re-imagined online film festival. The festival is proud to also announce the return of AT&T as Presenting Sponsor for the seventh consecutive year. AFI DOCS 2020 will open with BOYS STATE, directed by Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine. The festival will run June 17–21 and films will be available to view on DOCS.AFI.com.

Michael Lumpkin

“AFI is committed to the documentary art form in the best of times and in the most challenging of times,” said Michael Lumpkin, Director of AFI Festivals. “Now more than ever, we are dedicated to supporting extraordinary films because the world needs stories that educate, inspire hope and remind us of humanity’s strength. AFI DOCS is here to help.”

Continue reading THE AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES DATES FOR 2020 AFI DOCS FILM FESTIVAL →

HollywoodGlee

Monthly Archives: May 2020

Must-see “Limited Screening” Baato Begins the 2020 Mountainfilm Festival

Like this:

Starting now. Mountainfilm. Put your seatbelt on!

Like this:

Big Bear Film Summit Announces Film Lineup for Debut in June/July

The 1st Annual Big Bear Film Summit Announces Film Lineup for Virtual Film Festival (June 12-July 12)

Big Bear Film Summit 2020 Virtual Festival Lineup

Like this: